The meeting began with the Chief Minister paying rich tributes to late Mufti Bashir Ahmad Farooqui, the Imam of Aasar-e-Sharief Hazratbal and Member of J&K Wakf Board, who passed away last month.

Laying stress on improving facilities and overall ambiance, Mufti Sayeed directed the Vice Chairman to devise a mechanism which will facilitate the devotees visiting the holy shrines. He said the caretakers should ensure that shrine properties are taken good care of, especially vis-a-vis wuzu khanas and landscaping of shrine premises.

While reviewing the functioning of Hanfia School, Anantnag, Mufti Sayeed passed directions for upgrading all schools managed by Wakf Board as model schools. He said the schools must have facilities of smart classrooms, computer labs and correction centres so that students have access to quality education.

He also approved bringing the salaries of teachers of the school at par with other educational institutions, managed by the Wakf Board.

While briefing the Chief Minister, who is also the Chancellor of IUST, the Vice Chancellor said the varsity will adopt four schools in its catchment area for up-gradation as model schools. He informed the Chief Minister that the University Convocation will be held next month, for which the process of compiling reports and inviting participants is presently underway.

Keeping in view the demand that will arise in future for paramedic staff for newly-sanctioned medical colleges, the Chief Minister also directed the Vice Chairman Wakf Board to explore possibility for setting up new nursing colleges. He said the demand for paramedic staff will increase when new medical colleges will start functioning. He asked the Minister for Haj & Auqaf to prepare a blueprint for setting up similar nursing colleges in Jammu province, where also three new medical colleges are being established.

In order to strengthen the Wakf institutions and streamline their functioning, the Chief Minister directed Vice Chairman to seek advice of the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, so that the lacunae, if any, in the Wakf Act are removed by bringing in necessary amendments.

Asking the Vice Chairman to take steps in protecting and safeguarding the Wakf properties, the Chief Minister also directed Vice Chairman to take necessary steps to improve the resource position of the Wakf Board, in particular related to the revenue generated out of the leased out assets.

Mufti Sayeed also directed Advocate Azhar-ul-Amin to prioritize the issue of recovery of all outstanding dues on account of rentals, which are pending with various government departments.

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 – Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Saturday expressed grief over the death of Hajjis and injuries to several others in a tragic crane fall incident in the Grand Masjid in the holy city of Makkah Mukaramah.

The crane fell following a heavy windstorm that hit the holy city yesterday.

In his message of condolence, the Chief Minister expressed solidarity with the bereaved families in their hour of grief and prayed for peace to the departed souls. He also prayed for speedy recovery of all those Hajjis who were injured in the incident.

Mufti Sayeed also prayed for safety and security of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir, who are in Saudi Arabia for performing the annual pilgrimage, and directed the State Hajj Committee to ensure their wellbeing in the Holy Land.